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Lung lobe resection, or lobectomy, is a surgical procedure in which one lobe of the lung is removed. In most cases, it is performed to treat lung cancer. It may also be indicated for conditions such as severe infections, pulmonary edema, or chest trauma.
In Israel, lobectomy is performed by leading cardiothoracic surgeons in top hospitals, under strict international medical standards. Patients benefit from advanced surgical techniques, minimally invasive methods, and comprehensive postoperative care.
When is Lobectomy Recommended?
Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. It can be:
- Primary lung cancer – originating in the lung tissue.
- Secondary lung cancer (metastases) – when cancer spreads from another organ to the lungs.
About 30% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage, when surgery such as lobectomy offers the best chance for cure.
Lobectomy is most often performed in stages I and II of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and sometimes in stage III if the tumor can be surgically removed.
In later stages with widespread metastases, lobectomy is usually not the primary option. Instead, patients are treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
Lobectomy and Lung Cancer Types
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – accounts for more than 80% of cases. Lobectomy is the standard surgical treatment for this type.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) – surgery is rarely performed, except in highly selected early-stage cases.
The decision depends on tumor size, type, location, lung function, and overall health of the patient.
⇒ Consult with Top Cardiothoracic Surgeon
⇒ Consult with Top Lung Cancer Doctor
Types of Lung Resection Surgery
- Wedge Resection – removal of a small, localized segment of lung tissue. Usually for patients with reduced lung function.
- Lobectomy – removal of one lobe of the lung (standard for NSCLC).
- Pneumonectomy – removal of the entire lung, reserved for large or central tumors that cannot be treated with lobectomy.
How is Lobectomy Performed in Israel?
Israeli surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, reducing trauma and speeding recovery.
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS lobectomy):
- Performed through 3 small incisions in the chest without spreading the ribs.
- A camera (thoracoscope) provides a magnified view on monitors in the operating room.
General anesthesia is used, and the patient breathes with only one lung during the operation (a double-lumen breathing tube is placed).
Pain control: Some patients receive an epidural catheter for postoperative pain management, which allows self-regulated delivery of anesthesia.
Oncological precision: Along with the affected lobe, the surgeon examines nearby lymph nodes to check for spread of disease. A frozen section biopsy may be done during surgery to confirm complete tumor removal.
Duration: The operation typically lasts 2–3 hours.
Recovery and Success Rates
- Minimally invasive VATS lobectomy causes significantly less pain than open surgery.
- Hospital stay: Usually 3–5 days, shorter than with traditional open thoracotomy.
- Postoperative survival: Varies between 25–75%, depending on the stage of disease.
Surgical risks:
- Mortality rate is less than 1%.
- Complications occur in about 3% of cases and may include temporary air leak, bleeding, infection, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism.
- Rare risks include heart arrhythmia, stroke, or kidney failure.
Israeli surgeons discuss all potential risks and benefits with patients before surgery.
Preparation for Lobectomy in Israel
Before surgery, patients undergo comprehensive diagnostics, including:
- Chest X-ray and CT scan
- PET-CT or MRI to assess tumor spread
- Bronchoscopy for sampling and airway examination
- CT-guided biopsy or liquid biopsy for genetic analysis
- Bone scintigraphy in some cases
These tests ensure an accurate diagnosis and allow doctors to plan the most effective, personalized treatment strategy.
Why Choose Israel for Lung Lobe Resection?
- Expert surgeons – internationally recognized cardiothoracic specialists with Forbes-listed reputations.
- Minimally invasive surgery – advanced VATS and robotic-assisted techniques for quicker recovery.
- Integrated oncology care – collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
- Personalized approach – combining surgery with targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation when needed.
- International standards – treatment at Israel’s leading hospitals with state-of-the-art technology.
Lung lobe resection (lobectomy) in Israel is a proven, effective treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and selected other conditions. With advanced surgical methods, world-class specialists, and comprehensive pre- and postoperative care, patients receive treatment tailored to their individual needs – giving them the best chance for long-term survival and improved quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a lobectomy?
It is the surgical removal of one lobe of the lung, most often to treat lung cancer. - Who can undergo lung lobe resection?
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer in early stages (I–II, sometimes III) or with localized lung disease. - How long does recovery take?
Hospital stay is usually 3–5 days. Full recovery may take several weeks. - Is minimally invasive surgery available in Israel?
Yes. Israeli surgeons use video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and robotic-assisted lobectomy. - What are the risks?
The mortality rate is under 1%. Complications are rare and include temporary air leak, infection, or pneumonia.
At our partner hospitals in Israel, patients benefit from the most advanced surgical care, combined with cutting-edge oncology treatments for lung cancer.
